Air Testing Tightness
Understanding Air Permeability and Its Importance
Air permeability measures how well a building controls the movement of air in and out. When air is uncontrolled, the heat you’ve generated escapes, leading to higher energy bills and increased CO2 emissions.
The phrases “insulate right” and “build airtight” are becoming increasingly important for both consumers and builders. New construction standards emphasize the proper installation of high-quality, efficient insulation, along with meticulous attention to detail to seal any gaps in the building’s structure.
Since July 1, 2009, all newly built houses must undergo air leakage testing. The results of this test, which indicate the building’s air permeability, are included in the BER (Building Energy Rating) calculation. A good air permeability result can significantly improve a home’s BER.
During air leakage testing, while specialized software generates the results and report, leaks in the building’s fabric can be identified using methods such as smoke tests and thermal imaging. Ideally, two tests should be conducted during a house’s construction: one during the build to identify and fix any issues cost-effectively and another at the end to obtain the final result for BER certification.
Benefits of Air Pressure Tests for New and Existing Buildings
- Increase energy efficiency by identifying and fixing air leaks.
- Reduce heat loss by pinpointing areas where the building is losing heat.
- Minimize energy usage, leading to lower costs.
- Play a crucial role in achieving an “A” rated BER certification.
- When combined with thermal imaging, help locate inefficiencies in the building.
- Reduce CO2 emissions by improving the building’s airtightness.
FAQ
What is Airtightness?
Airtightness refers to the process of eliminating unintended gaps, cracks, holes, and tears in a building’s envelope where air can leak in or out of the conditioned space (areas that are heated or cooled). These gaps can account for up to 50% of all heat loss through a building’s exterior, often resulting from poor design, workmanship, or the use of inappropriate materials. It’s important to note that an airtight building isn’t completely sealed but has minimized unintended air leakage.
Why is Airtightness Important in Construction?
Airtightness is crucial for minimizing heat loss by reducing uncontrolled air movement in and out of the building. With less heat escaping, your heating system operates more efficiently, leading to lower energy bills and reduced waste. Airtightness also helps maintain thermal comfort by improving insulation during winter and reducing overheating in summer.
Improved airtightness can enhance health by preventing allergens and other harmful substances from entering the building through air leaks. It also contributes to better sound insulation within the home.
Building durability is another benefit, as airtightness prevents moisture-laden cold air from leaking into the building envelope and condensing, which can cause damage. When combined with a well-designed ventilation system, airtightness can eliminate dampness and mold growth, significantly improving indoor air quality.
Finally, achieving good airtightness often leads to higher construction quality and workmanship, reducing the likelihood of issues and callbacks after the build is complete.
